03 octubre 2011

Why Evangelicals Hate Jesus

This post comes straight from my core. It's a passionate cry to millions who call themselves Christians, but who seem to live their lives in reverse of the words and example of Jesus.

For this reason, please allow me to express what I feel in English. I'm hoping my many Spanish-speaking readers can follow along.

A sticker seen on the backs of cars in the USA summarizes much of what I wish to express, with great sadness:

JESUS, PLEASE PROTECT US FROM YOUR FOLLOWERS

It's a telling jab at the Evangelical (and not so moral) majority in my country. That one sentence puts in stark contrast Jesus' message of unconditional love with the close-minded and cold-hearted "Churchianity" that is marketed non-stop in the United States.

This indictment fills me with great sadness. For now is the time, in the midst of economic and moral crisis, for people to finally discover the TRUE JESUS as never before. Yet the obstacles that prevent millions from knowing Jesus Christ are myriad and often created by those very ones who claim to know Him.

But let me tell you a secret. (Come closer, I'm going to whisper it to you...)

Now, as then, a seeker is not likely to find Him at church, nor snoring through a long-winded Mass. It's not impossible, but often improbable.

He will be most easily found where His evangelio, His truly Good News, will be most welcomed. His love manifests itself "out there": on the streets, with the single mother, in the cancer ward, calling after the pushers and the pimps. Because they understand forgiveness. And the need for a new life. Oh yes: sometimes His message pursues and captures a few lost yuppies and professionals like myself.

It is to these He comes. THEY WILL FIND THE JOY. They will find the peace. The Kingdom of Heaven, surprising many, in the destiny-fraught days to come, might just be revealed more quickly to a lesbian couple seeking God, that to a legalistic bishop or priest.

As my friend John Crowder puts it, Jesus' message and sacrifice is so real and freeing that His followers should be the epitome of joyous celebration. In John's words:

CHRISTIANITY IS NOT A FAST. IT'S A FESTIVAL!

To meet the laughing Host of the Eternal Party, you'll need to steer clear of a lot of religious folk. Seek His smile, expect His touch in the lives of those of His followers who move in grace, and live in love.

It may hurt some to read words such as those of Phil Zuckerman in the Huffington Post: "Why Evangelicals Hate Jesus". Yet it's of vital importance to do so. Because the Jesus they sell you on Sundays and on TV is a frayed, flannel-board faux Saviour, homogenised for the drive-thru, sofa-centered life of many Americans. In Zuckerman's words:

"Evangelicals don't exactly hate Jesus ... They do love him dearly. But not because of what he tried to teach humanity. Rather, Evangelicals love Jesus for what he does for them. (emphasis mine).

Through his magical grace, and by shedding his precious blood, Jesus saves Evangelicals from everlasting torture in hell, and guarantees them a premium, luxury villa in heaven. For this, and this only, they love him. They can't stop thanking him. And yet, as for Jesus himself-- his core values of peace, his core teachings of social justice, his core commandments of goodwill -- most Evangelicals seem to have nothing but disdain."

If you're seeking Him don't give up, despite the confusion and cold-heartedness you may have experienced in "Religion". He has clearly promised to be "the rewarder of those who diligently seek Him". Keep seeking, keep knocking, keep asking...